KPA’s Strong Start in WBLA Zone Five Qualifiers
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), the national champions, made a strong start in their Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA) Zone Five qualifiers with an impressive 81-57 victory over Zanzibar’s Fox Divas at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday night. Despite the win, the team is aiming for more from their performance and is already looking ahead to future matches.
Senegalese center Aminata Ty, who was signed by KPA to help them secure a spot in the WBLA, admitted that the team could have done better. She emphasized the need for improvement, particularly in defense.
“To be honest, this was our first game, and we are trying to get our connection together. We have a lot of work to be done. Offensively, we got some good shots, but defensively, we have a lot to do. There is always room for improvement, and we will go back, watch the game, and see what we can do to try and be better,” she said.
Ty highlighted the importance of bringing their “A” game in subsequent matches, especially considering the tough competition they expect to face. Teams like Rwanda’s REG and APR are strong contenders, and KPA must play as a cohesive unit to compete effectively.
International Players Bolster KPA Squad
KPA has brought in three international players to strengthen their squad. In addition to Ty, Kenyan international Mercy Wanyama, who played in Lithuania last season, has joined the team. Nigerian player Ifunanya Okoro has also returned to the squad.
The six-foot-three center was one of five KPA players to score double digits in their opening game. She scored 10 points, matching Betty Kananu, another new signing from Equity, and regular player Vilma Owino. Alima Doumbia added 11 points, while Okoro led the team with a game-high 18 points.
KPA dominated the game from the start, outscoring the Zanzibar team in all but the last quarter, when they eased off slightly, knowing the victory was already secured.
Other Matches Highlight Strong Performances
In the early tip-off, Rwanda Energy Group (REG), one of the tournament favorites, also started their campaign with a convincing win, defeating Tanzania’s Don Bosco Ladies Lionesses 87-38. REG has strengthened their squad by signing Chantal Kiyobe and Grace Irebu from KPA. Kiyobe performed well with 12 points, while Irebu had a modest showing with just one basket.
American players Kayana Taylor and Kristina King delivered standout performances, scoring 15 and 11 points respectively. Kristina also contributed nine rebounds and four assists. Hope Butera put up a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Walkover for Burundi’s Gladiators
The second match of the day saw Burundi’s Gladiators receive a walkover against Uganda’s Magic Stormers, as the latter’s team had not arrived at the venue by the time of the tip-off.
Upcoming Matches and Team News
On day two of the competition, Kenya’s second representatives, Zetech Sparks, will take on Burundi’s Les Hippos. The University girls, who were losing finalists in last season’s Kenyan League finals, will be without their influential guard Michelle Soukoudjou, who left at the end of the season. However, they have welcomed back Mary Lisa Omondi to lead their play in the tournament.
Zetech, coached by Maurice Obillo, is confident of starting with a win as they make their regional competitive debut. They missed the last year’s qualifiers due to financial issues.
Key Fixtures for the Day
APR, the favorites, will face Gladiators in the second match of the day. Meanwhile, Zanzibar’s Foxes will look to bounce back when they take on the Magic Stormers, who hope their kit will arrive in time for the game scheduled to tip off at 7pm.